"That's why I will always love India"

steven_ber

When travelling in India, occasionally you see something that just stops you in your tracks and gets you thinking "That’s why I will always love India".

Most people will have had this experience many times, the one I enjoyed the most was on April 1st this year. (This is no April fool's joke)

I had been on an awful overnight train journey, not much sleep, a baby screaming half the night, and someone stole my water, I was so dry that I felt sick, at 06:00 the train pulled into Vadodara station, I got off, found some water and breakfast and made my way back to my carriage.

As I was approaching the carriage I saw a group of Krishna Hindu's walking in a circle, all clapping and singing, they had got off the train to offer their morning prayers, the porters and what looked like beggars then joined in.

It looked and sounded so wonderful, I couldn't move from the spot.

As often happens in India, I felt ashamed and cheated that I don't believe in any god.

These moments always seem to happen when you least expect it, no special Temple or Fort, just a railway platform in Gujarat.

Anyone else want to share a special moment?

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seventies'hippy

Krishna Hindu's walking in a circle, all clapping and singing
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Certainly leaves our "Morrice Dancers" here in the Uk lacking doesn't it,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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jay_m_222

The weddings in New Dehli were both incredible....almost surreal...
http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/s...&ppuser =2664

The people were so warm and friendly....they made me feel like family instantly. The people are a reason to love India!

The fact that you can feel so at peace and happy whether you are standing in the middle of city chaos or at a temple high in the mountains.....

Oh, one more thing.....Indian Classical Music and specifically the Sitar....which I am obsessed with!

bijapuri

every trip is festooned with such moments, it seems. I think it's the difference between those that love India and those who can't stand it. It's one of those things that you have to use your "third eye" to see,

In Kumbakonam Dec2002, in one of the temples slightly away from the biggest one, the Begum and I were walking around admiring the outstanding late Chola period (my guess) statuary, when we chanced upon a small inset corner of the temple. There we found a small group of women, say about 6 or so, sitting Xlegged and softly singing devotionals whilst a priest went about the ritual of washing a statue (not the idol, but a stone one at the entrance of the inner sanctum) of Murugan. The priest then put on a new set of facepaint and clothes, which was an elaborate process. The whole thing was so spiritual, we stopped and watched in rapturous trance.
I knew then that the Begum had seena week into hwer first trip, "the real India."

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lookit me!!!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bijapuri/

Utube fuzzy logic:
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albaruni

Construction site, little boy (about 7 ?)playing with his baby brother (who can barely walk) on mounds of excavated earth...feeding him, giving him a bath from running water from a hose, The baby is smiling noisily. Mommy 's moving earth, out of sight. Time has stopped...in the busy street.

seventies'hippy

I have a fond memory if this little girl.
We just happened to be at a chai shop her father owned, she was such a cutie, She just couldn't stop looking at us with those gorgeous eyes. I offered her an old dilapidated (more strength in a butterflies wing) 0ne rupee note, which I was keeping for just one of 'those' occasions. She took it with even bigger eyes, didn't run away or anything or tell anyone, just unbuttoned a pocket in her rag doll and popped it inside, Priceless

Attached Thumbnails

 

volga_volga

two little boys, on one of the ghats in Rishikesh, with pens donated by some kind soul, showing me how they can write - in Hindi and English.

but have I ever said I loved India? oh yes I did, that was when I saw this

volga_volga

oh, and watching the first India cricket team win over the Brits, in Lagaan, OF COURSE!

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cyberhippie

I have so many as India throws itself at you every day.

One we both myself and Mrs Cyberhippie often talk about was so small and innocent but yet so much about the humanity that exists all around you as you travel India.

We were taking the public ferry from Cochin island to Ernakulem.
It was early and the boat was full of ordinary folk making there way to work on the mainland.

Suddenly a 14 year old youth had an severe epilectic fit, all the passengers in the vicinity sprung into action.
It was a joy to behold how with warmth, community and understanding the people made everyone comfortable, the boy was watched over until the worst had passed and the mother and sister were treated with a wonderful dignity.
The whole thing passed so normally and we all got off the ferry as if nothing had happened!!

Small but INDIA

skell

Since I haven't actually been yet, this is one reason why I know I will love India:

My friend and I recently purchased our air tickets over the phone(LAX to Delhi) from an Indian man who runs a World Wide Travel agency with his wife. Instead of mailing us the tickets, he invited us to join them at a friend's house for dinner the following Saturday night and he would bring them along.

We were a little hesitant, not knowing him or his friends, but decided to go. It was the most wonderful evening! We talked about India, looked at lots of pictures, met extended family and children and had the most wonderful food! We also have plans to join them again for some local "Indian events" and have a number on contacts for when we go to India in November.

seventies'hippy

Wow what an amazing introduction to what you're starting to discover is amazing about India & It's people,,,,,,,,,,

cyberhippie

This arrived in my mail today, and is another side of things that could only happen in India!!
Here's a friend of mine trying to get a post box in Rishikesh!

I've just copied and pasted it in its entirity enjoy!!! I've just recovered!!

The Postbox - a drama in 2 acts

Act I - the main post in rishikesh (we're trying to get a postbox;
written down are only the answers of the postmen)

1. day: 'I don't know; you have to see the postmaster. he's not there now; come back later.'

2. day: the postmaster asked many questions then 'yes you can have a postbox; come back in the end of the month in 3 weeks.'

end of march: 'no postbox available...but you can go to the post office of
shivanandanagar.....you'll sure get one.'

Act II - postoffice shivanandanagar

1. day: 'what do I know...only God knows....come back tomorrow; my college
will be here.'

2. day: 'yes we have one free and you can get it.....come back monday
(???????)

next monday: 'you'll get it; but we're in the middle of the month...that's not good....come back in the end of april.'

end of april: 'no problem; but I can't find the book for
registration....come back in 1 hour.'

one hour later: 'you will get it but I need a paper from the postmaster of your area proving that he knows you.'

same day at our postmaster's home. he's shocked and doesn't know what to do...so he says:'come back tomorrow; I will make it perfect.'

next day: the postmaster is not home.

one more day: the postmaster is still not home.
2-3 days later: we meet the postmaster on the street....and he tells us:'come tomorrow.'

another tomorrow: the postmaster is not home

next day: we meet him and finally get the (##@%*@*) paper

same day in shivanandanagar postoffice:'yes, that's verry good....now you'll
get the box; but.......it' already to late; come back monday.'

monday: holyday

tuesday: another holiday

wendnesday: a little strike

thursday: open and suddenly a totally different postman. he gives us the
postbox without any question and doesn't know what to do with the ($@##**#)
paper

albaruni

Skell,

That is so sweet! I think these guys here are somtimes nice like that. I've had dinner with (and become friends with) agents in Chicago, LA and San franciso. (one of them was also a concert promoter that brought bollywood stars over for these stage shows in the US. )...

It's industry practice I guess to be nice to prospective/regular customers, but I'm not complaining....

Bryan

Too many to mention but one that sticks in the mind was giving my huge bag of pakora to a beggar kid no more than 10 years old
He takes the bag with sparkling eyes calls over all the other kids and makes sure each gets an equal piece ...

We could solve the problems of the world if we had an ounce of this kid's wisdom, generosity and kindness ...

Bryan

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For a' that, an a' that,
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rab

Sorry V V ... point of order, and sorry to ruin your special moment ... but Britain doesn't have a cricket team!

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